Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
